State police to begin holiday travel enforcement blitz

More than 250 law enforcement agencies across the state will step up patrols starting Friday for an enforcement blitz that lasts through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Indiana State Police say the effort is aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities during the traditionally busy travel period.

Troopers will look for motorists who are drinking and driving, speeding, following too closely and driving aggressively, according to a news release. Authorities plan to also strictly enforce seat belt and child restraint laws.

In 2008, 15 people were killed in wrecks during the Thanksgiving holiday period. More than 66 percent of those crashes were alcohol-related, police said.

Indiana State Police issued the following safety tips for drivers:

- Make sure you're well rested before traveling.

- Make sure everyone is properly buckled up.

- Don't tailgate and remember the two-second rule when following other vehicles.

- Obey all traffic signals and speed limits.

- Don't drink and drive.

- When you see an emergency vehicle's lights flashing, move over and slow down.